Steven P. Detonnancourt

The Zoning Hearing addressed the acceptance of the October 14, 2025, minutes, which passed unanimously. A resolution, ZONE-2025-1 concerning Priest-Russo, Sherrie, was also accepted unanimously. The main new business item involved a request for two dimensional variances (area relief of 94.8 square feet and frontage relief of 25 feet) for applicant Anthony Butera to construct a single-family home at 50 Round Lake Dr. in the R-7 zone, which was approved unanimously. Additionally, the body approved the 2026 Zoning Hearing Calendar.

The meeting covered several new business items, including a discussion with a representative from the Horsley Witten Group regarding the Town's Parks & Recreation Assessment project and property maintenance. The commission reviewed the Town Council's Goals and Objectives adopted in April 2025 and the Town Comprehensive Plan from August 2018. Significant discussion addressed the Wallum Lake Dam/Canoe Launch Areas, confirming the transition to winter water levels while holding water release due to ongoing Mill Pond construction. Reports were given on conservation programs and events, including tours and hikes. The Burrillville Wildlife Conservation Plan subcommittee is finalizing its draft report, emphasizing the need for alignment on Conservation Opportunity Areas (COA). Future collaboration with the Blackstone Watershed Council for water sampling in April 2026 was noted. Status updates were provided for maintenance activities across several conservation areas, including Nipmuc, Lapham Farm, Union Pond Park, Branch River Park, Beckwith-Buckshaw Recreation Center Trails, and Duck Pond Recreation Trails, focusing on kiosk installations, signage updates, and reviewing hunting policies where applicable. The commission also discussed holiday sign decorating plans and addressed fiscal matters, unanimously approving payments for new signage, holiday wreaths, and hardware purchases.

The meeting included recognition for Laura Hayward's contributions to the department, particularly concerning social media presence improvements. The Parks and Recreation Report, which was accepted, highlighted the Santa calling initiative and the 2026 Earth Day/Energy conservation calendars. Key discussions involved potentially changing the meeting location and time for staff convenience, and suggesting the use of social media to advertise open commission seats. New business tabled the Earth Day Cleanup street designation pending committee action. Further discussion included planning for senior/child playtime at the Lodge, with consideration for including well-behaved pets.

The meeting addressed several key items. Board members reviewed and signed acknowledgements of receipt for the 'Handbook and Code of Conduct for Boards and Commissions' as mandated by a recent Town Council ordinance. The board reviewed the Year-to-Date Financial Statement, accepting the report as submitted. Discussion on the 2025/2026 School Year Program noted that serving fewer students than capacity is beneficial given current staff shortages, with administration planning to hire two additional staff members. The proposed BEC FYE 2027 Budget was reviewed, with a unanimous vote to accept it contingent upon correcting an oversight regarding the 'Licenses and Fees' line item amount. Finally, the proposed BEC 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Calendar was accepted.

The meeting included a review of the draft Rhode Island Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2025, with encouragement for feedback. Updates were provided on the Wallum Lake water level, noting the recent opening of dam gates and the target winter elevation. The Burrillville Wildlife Conservation Plan (BWCP) subcommittee plans a review workshop for mid-to-late January. Discussions regarding Town Properties focused heavily on hunting policies. For Nipmuc Conservation Area, the long-standing policy restricting hiking during the November-December hunting season was confirmed. For Lapham Farm Conservation Area, the commission voted to maintain the existing no-hunting policy due to the property's small size and proximity to residences, despite considering a shift to bow-only hunting. Updates were also provided on kiosk installations, signage, and trail maintenance across several conservation areas. The Commission also reviewed and approved payments for outstanding invoices from the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.